Audio

Last Saturday evening in Nowlan Park was one of those sporting occasions that will live long in the memory, not specifically for the quality of hurling but for the atmosphere and excitement before, during and after the game.

The display by the Kilkenny backline in fetching some brilliant high ball in the closing stages when the game was in the balance was massive.

The cheer that greeted the return of Henry Shefflin must have been heard in Dublin and I think all supporters are thrilled to see him back playing again.

Kilkenny supporters came out in big numbers and were eager to show their team that they were going to be behind them in their greatest hour of need.

The build-up all week in Kilkenny helped motivate the players to raise their performance from previous games and it was just about good enough to get over Tipperary who contributed to a great game and had little luck on the evening.

The build-up this week for Saturday night’s game against Waterford is much more subdued and is potentially a huge banana skin for the Cats.

They still have the same serious injury problems as last week and are still relying on Eoin Larkin from placed balls to get most of their scores.